Fresh Milled Loaf In A Bread Machine (100% Whole Wheat)

This bread machine loaf recipe with fresh milled flour is made with 100% fresh whole wheat and uses the magic of a bread machine to give you a tasty loaf of bread with minimal effort! It is perfect for sandwiches or toast, and has all of the vital nutrients found in wheat berries that are lost when flour has been sitting on the shelf. Perfectly sturdy, it will hold up great for all of your favorite toppings.

Looking for more fresh milled flour recipes? Try these fresh milled flour pancakes, greek yogurt muffins, and fresh milled cream of wheat. 

I recently discovered that I had a bread machine in the back of my kitchen pantry that I got as a wedding present (14 years ago…). I think I’ve used it twice. But hey, I’ve changed and I’m much more of a bread-making type of Mom these days, and I decided to give it a whirl. It turns out that bread machines are amazing, and they are kind of the crockpot of bread making. Throw everything in, walk away and come back later to a finished loaf. There’s probably many of you out there chuckling right now that I am just now realizing what an incredible invention this is, but here we are. Better late than never right? 

Reasons to love this recipe

Hands-off & So Convenient – Add your ingredients and let your bread machine do the work. Great for busy seasons of life, or if you are new to baking bread!

Perfect for beginners – If bread making is intimidating to you, this is the perfect gateway recipe. No kneading or shaping or estimating rise times —just add ingredients and press start.

A Nutrient Dense Bread – Made with freshly milled flour, this loaf is full of essential nutrients and vitamins found in wheat berries. If this is your first time using fresh flour, you will notice a big difference in how filling and satisfying this bread is!

Soft But Hearty – A tender crumb that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside dinner. I love that this bread is sturdy enough that you can slice it as thin as you would like, but still soft and delicious. 

A Customizable Recipe – Add seeds, switch up the sweetener, or add fresh herbs for your own twist.

Benefits of Fresh Milled Flour

Using freshly milled flour in your baked goods bread turns everyday carbs into a nutrient-dense powerhouse. Even if you are using whole wheat flour from the grocery store, you are missing out on so many nutrients and vitamins! Within 24 hours of milling, the wheat berry begins to lose essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as the natural oils in the wheat germ oxidize (once they are exposed to oxygen). That means most store-bought flour—and bread made from it—has already lost much of its original nutrition. When you mill flour at home (and use it right away), you’re getting all those nutrients that would have been lost: vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and fiber. Not only does this make your bread more nourishing, but it also delivers a richer flavor that you simply can’t get from flour that’s been sitting on a shelf. Plus, grinding your own flour is such a rewarding skill to learn. Give it a try and see what the hype is all about! 

If you like to bake with sourdough, I’ve got a sourdough bread recipe made with fresh milled flour for you to try. 

Ingredients To Make a Loaf in the Bread Machine With Fresh Milled Flour

This whole wheat bread recipe uses just real ingredients to make a delicious and nourishing loaf. 

Hard White Wheat Berries – Hard wheat has a higher protein content, as well as a lower moisture content. The high protein is good for yeast breads because that is when it is combined with liquid, it creates gluten.  Gluten is what creates the rise and texture in breads that is so delicious. 

Kamut Berries – This is an optional part of this recipe, but it gives the bread a delicious flavor and golden color. Kamut (also known as Khorasan wheat) is an ancient variety of wheat that has been largely unchanged for thousands of years. It has a beautiful golden color, a rich buttery-nutty flavor, and larger kernels than modern wheat. It also has a higher protein content than some other wheat berry varieties. 

Olive Oil – The business of making olive oil is a very corrupt industry. Approximately 70% of olive oil on the shelf today is fake! It is watered down with seed oils and enhancers. Organic extra virgin and cold pressed is best, preferrably in a glass bottle, and you get what you pay for. For more tips on finding real olive oil, here’s a good article. 

Warm Filtered Water – Warm water helps the yeast to activate and create a good rise. I try and heat my water to between 105 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Raw honey – honey is another corrupt industry. The FDA does not regulate the labels “raw” or “pure” when it comes to honey, so in order to make sure the honey you are buying is REALLY raw, you need to trust the company you are buying from. Local, or small companies that you have vetted are best. Learn more about raw honey here.

Unrefined salt – if you’ve been around, you know I love redmonds unrefined mineral salt.

Instant yeast – Instant yeast (sometimes called bread machine yeast) works best for this recipe. If you have active dry yeast, make sure to dissolve it in your water with a little sugar before using it. 

Other Supplies You Will Need

• Grain Mill – i have found it next to impossible to purchase freshly milled flour anywhere. If you want the true benefits of fresh flour, you will need to grind the berries yourself. A grain mill or high powered blender will work for this! I’ve had great success with my Mockmill 100, and I use it almost every day. This is a bit of an investment but can really pay off with health benefits in the long run! 
• Bread Machine – As the title suggests, this is a bread machine recipe. You need one!  
• Measuring cups and spoons

How To Make A Delicious Bread Machine Loaf With Fresh Milled Wheat

This is a delightfully simple recipe, thanks to the bread machine. We are going to throw our ingredients in, and push start! 

Step 1: Make sure the paddle is attached in the bread pan, and put the machine on a flat surface near an outlet. It will rattle and shake a bit as it kneads, so a flat surface is important.

Step 2: Put the ingredients into the bread pan in the following order:

• 1 1/4 cups of filtered water (warmed to 105 degrees F)
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 1/4 cup of raw honey 
• 2 1/2 cups of freshly milled hard white flour
• 1 cup of freshly milled kamut flour (optional – if omitting kamut flour increase the hard white flour to 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast

Step 3: Close the lid on the bread maker, and set it to the “whole wheat” setting, if possible. 

Step 4: Press start, and let the bread machine do it’s thing! 

Step 5: When the loaf is done, let it cool on a cooling rack and enjoy! 

Storage Tips for Fresh Milled Flour Bread

On the Counter:
Keep your fresh milled loaf in a bread box, linen or plastic bag, or airtight container for 2–3 days. Since homemade bread doesn’t contain any preservatives, it won’t last as long as store-bought bread. Avoid refrigerating—it tends to dry out.

Freezer Friendly:
For longer storage, slice the loaf once it’s cooled and freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag. This way you can grab a slice or two whenever you need it. Bread stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip:
If you know you won’t finish the loaf within a couple of days, freeze half right away. Fresh milled flour breads are best enjoyed fresh, so this trick helps prevent any wasted bread.

Bread Machine Tips for the Best Loaf

If you’re new to using a bread machine (or just want better results), a few small tweaks can make a huge difference. Here are ideas to help you create the perfect loaf:

1. Check the Dough Early

• After the first 5–10 minutes of kneading, open the lid and peek at the dough.
• The dough should come together in a smooth ball that’s slightly tacky but not sticky.
• If it’s too wet and sticking to the sides, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour. If it looks dry or crumbly, drizzle in 1–2 teaspoons of water until it comes together.

2. Use the Right Cycle

• Most machines have multiple settings. For whole grain or fresh milled flour, use the Whole Wheat cycle if your machine has one — it allows for a longer rise time.
• If your machine doesn’t have that option, the basic/white bread setting may work, but keep an eye on the dough during the first knead.

3. Add Ingredients in the Right Order

• Bread machines often recommend adding liquids first, then dry ingredients, and yeast last (on top of the flour, away from the liquid).
• This keeps the yeast from activating too soon.

4. Don’t Overload the Machine

• Stick to the loaf size your machine is designed for. Fresh milled flour is a bit denser than white flour, so an overfilled pan can result in a squat loaf. I use the “large” loaf setting on my bread machine for this recipe. 

5. Avoid Lifting the Lid During Rising/Baking

• It’s fine to peek during the knead cycle, but once the dough is rising, keep the lid closed. Opening it can release heat and interrupt the process.

6. Make Sure Your Yeast Is Alive

• Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, or your bread won’t rise.

7. Consider a Finishing Touch

• If you want a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the machine.
• For a chewier, artisan-style crust, let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving Suggestions For Fresh Milled Bread Machine Loaf

One of the best parts about making a fresh loaf of bread is all the delicious ways you can enjoy it! This fresh milled flour loaf is hearty, nourishing, and has a delicious and deep homemade flavor that goes with just about anything. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Classic Sandwiches

• Slice it thick for a hearty meat and cheese sandwich, or go with a classic peanut butter and jelly. This is actually my kids bread of choice when it comes to a PB&J. 
• Because it’s made with whole grain, it holds up really well to spreads and fillings without getting soggy.

2. Toast 

• Toast a slice and top with butter and jam, honey, or nut butter.
• For a savory breakfast or snack, try avocado toast with smashed avocado with a sprinkle of sea salt and chili flakes, or add an over-easy egg on top. 

3. A Whole Grain Breakfast Boost

• Use it for French toast — the whole grain flavor pairs especially well with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
• Or serve alongside eggs and bacon for a well-rounded start to the day.

5. As a Side For Your Favorite Soup

• Serve warm with soups, stews, or chili for a delicious and cozy meal. Try it with these soup recipes:
  • Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
  • Cheeseburger Soup
  • Creamy vegetable lasagna soup

6. Homemade Garlic Bread

• Brush slices of bread with garlic & butter and toast them for a quick and tasty side

7. Freeze for Later

• This loaf freezes really well — slice it first so you can pull out just what you need for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you make this bread and love it!? I would so appreciate a review and five stars.